10 Questions For (43): Nomadic Matt

in 10 Questions For:

Time for a real Nomad

1) Who Are you?

I’m a 30 year old vagabond who has been on the road regularly since 2005. I’m a native of Boston, Mass but, now, everywhere has been my home. After a trip to Thailand in 2005, I decided to so I finished my MBA, quit my cubicle job, and, in July 2006, I set out on an adventure around the world.
My original trip was supposed to last a year. I didn’t come home until 18 months later. Once back, I knew I couldn’t go back to my old life or a typical job – I wanted to travel. I wanted to make this my life. Three months later, I was on the road again and I haven’t stopped since.
Now, I make a living travel blogging and inspiring other people to travel.

2) What do you like about what you do?

I like being able to travel often, meet amazing people, and get to do amazing activities I probably wouldn’t have a chance to do if I wasn’t a writer.

3) What don’t you like about what you do?

There’s not much I don’t like. The balancing act between work and travel is about the only thing I dislike. It’s often hard to travel and still maintain the site at the same time. There’s just not enough time in the day.

4) Please tell us all about your blog and your aims with it.

My blog, Nomadic Matt, is about my journey around the world on a budget and my goal is to show people that they can travel for a long time too without it costing a lot of money. My motto is to show people they can travel better, longer, and cheaper.

5) Your top 3 destination experiences you’ve ever stayed to date and why?

My three favorite destinations are:
Thailand because it is cheap, beautiful, has amazing food, and wonderful beaches. Plus, I like tropical weather.
Paris because it has that special something. I can’t really put my finger on it but its simply magical.
Stockholm due to the fact it has a beautiful medieval historic center, the architecture is amazing, the city is surrounded by nature, and I find the Swedish people to be very nice, friendly, and welcoming.

6) Your top 3 accommodations you’ve ever stayed to date and why?

I would say that my favorite are Kabul (Barcelona), The Flying Pig (Amsterdam), and Nomads (Queens town) for all the same reasons: they are fun, have a great sociable atmosphere, are clean, have good showers, and comfortable beds. They tick all the right boxes.

7) Your top 3 most memorable food / wine experiences to date and why?

Oh I don’t know if I can answer this question. To only be able to pick three? I couldn’t do it. I’ve had so many good food and wine experiences in my life. I would say one of my favorite food experiences was eating sushi at this restaurant in Denver. I don’t remember it’s name but it was mouthwatering delicious. I would say my best wine experience was when I drank a 1981 bottle of Tuscany wine to celebrate my 30th birthday.

8) Your 3 worst destination/ accommodation /food experiences to date and why?

I would say my worst destinations are Phuket in Thailand, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, Kuta Beach in Bali. All cheesy tourist traps. Worst accommodation is hard because I’ve slept in so many different places that I can’t really remember them all. Worst food experience? Well, let’s just say England won’t win any culinary awards anytime soon.

Zaftigs’ Roast Beef Sandwich (photo by Off Manhattan)

9) Can you offer the readers 3 destination/ food / accommodation / things to do tips about the city you are currently living in?

I don’t live anywhere right now as I am nomadic after all. However, back home in Boston, where I grew up, I would say my top things to do are the freedom trail, see a red sox game, and spend time on Castle Island. For food, I recommend Zaftigs for brunch and Fuygaku for great Japanese.

10) Any Question(s) you’d expected me to ask that you would like to answer?

None

My Take

I’ve met Matt several times. He’s a fun guy.
Since he didn’t provide photos, I simply had to use my own Clog photo of him in the miniature city “Madurodam” here in The Hague. Secondly I thought an American who loves Paris, will also love the Paris Replica of the Statue of Liberty. Really, until now I didn’t know there are hundreds replicas of them around the world.
Thank you Matt for this interview!